Seminars in oncology nursing | 2021
Clinical Outcome in Children with Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES\nThis study was conducted to assess the impact of oral mucositis on nutrition and performance status in pediatric cancer patients treated by chemotherapy.\n\n\nDATA SOURCES\nA total of 46 children were followed for mucositis episode, and their mean Oral Assessment Guide score was 20.2. Main concomitant disorders were hematological changes (86.9%), loss of appetite (60.7%), vomiting (28.3%), and diarrhea (10.9%).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nAnthropometric changes were highlighted by a decrease in body mass index (P\u202f=\u202f.03) and a decrease of Waterlow score (P\u202f=\u202f.007). Most patients had a low Lansky Play Performance Scale (LPPS) ≤40 (86.9%). High mucositis grades (P\u202f=\u202f.007) and long hospital stay (P\u202f=\u202f.005) were associated with a significant reduction in Lansky Play Performance Scale. Patient s follow-up showed need for hospitalization (84.8%), delay in chemotherapy treatment (71.7%), use of opioides (34.8%), and use of parenteral nutrition (26.1%). Death occurred in 10.9% of the cases.\n\n\nIMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE\nThese findings illustrate the impact of mucositis on nutrition and performance status in children undergoing chemotherapy, which considerable affected their outcome.